Endodontics

Root Canals

What is a root canal?

A root canal or endodontic treatment of a tooth is a procedure where the dentist fills the internal structure of the roots of a tooth.

Why do I need a root canal?

A root canal is required when the nerve of the tooth is dead or dying. In this case the necrotic (dead) tissue needs to be removed in order to prevent pain and infection.

What is the goal of doing a root canal?

The goal of root canal treatment is to maintain the tooth as a functional part of the patient's mouth for many years to come. If the root canal treatment is not performed the tooth needs to be extracted. Then loss of this tooth leads to a decrease in function of the patient's dentition, as well as the shifting of the remaining teeth around the area of the lost tooth.

What is done during the root canal appointment?

First the dentist will use anesthetic to numb the area. The dentist then drills an access opening in the top of the tooth. If the patient has a crown on the tooth the dentist drills through the crown to make this access. The access opening allows the dentist to clean out the pulp chamber and roots of the tooth. The pulp of the tooth is the term for the nerve and blood vessels located inside the tooth. Once the dentist has accessed the internal portion of the tooth he or she begins to clean out the root canals of the tooth. All of the necrotic tissue must be removed to prevent further infection. The dentist then disinfects, dries and fills the inside of the tooth. A temporary filling is then placed in the top of the tooth.

What do I need to do after the root canal appointment?

Sometimes there is some soreness associated with the tooth after the root canal appointment. Usually this is managed with an over the counter pain reliever such as Tylenol (Acetaminophen), or Advil (Ibuprofen). In rare instances an antibiotic will be necessary, your dentist will let you know if this is indicated.

A few weeks after the root canal is completed the patient needs to return for final restoration of the tooth. At this appointment the tooth will need to have a crown placed on it in order to prevent fracture of the tooth. If the tooth already has a crown on it the dentist will place a filling in this crown.